Volkswagen Transporter
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 32 years from 548,814 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests
548,814
Best Year
2020 (89%)
Years Covered
32
About the Volkswagen Transporter
The Volkswagen Transporter has been tested 548,814 times in 2026 MOT data across 32 model years (1990 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Available as diesel and petrol.
Best and Worst Years
The 2020 model is the most reliable with a 89% pass rate from 1,311 tests. The 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. With a 22 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.
Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 131,256 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 38,291 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Transporter is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volkswagen models.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2021 detailsHow reliable is the Volkswagen Transporter?
Volkswagen Transporter by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 129 | 38,291 mi | |
| 2020 | 89% | 1,311 | 43,632 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 25,915 | 55,696 mi | |
| 2018 | 86% | 37,535 | 66,926 mi | |
| 2017 | 85% | 38,467 | 76,077 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 37,805 | 87,209 mi | |
| 2015 | 82% | 34,503 | 95,309 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 30,466 | 105,350 mi | |
| 2013 | 82% | 27,985 | 115,923 mi | |
| 2012 | 80% | 24,759 | 125,395 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 23,700 | 133,523 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 21,463 | 140,851 mi | |
| 2009 | 76% | 17,431 | 142,178 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 25,818 | 153,577 mi | |
| 2007 | 75% | 27,476 | 161,773 mi | |
| 2006 | 73% | 23,355 | 167,933 mi | |
| 2005 | 72% | 20,813 | 174,693 mi | |
| 2004 | 73% | 19,211 | 180,024 mi | |
| 2003 | 71% | 13,745 | 173,749 mi | |
| 2002 | 69% | 12,401 | 177,596 mi | |
| 2001 | 70% | 12,405 | 176,472 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 9,140 | 176,792 mi | |
| 1999 | 70% | 12,854 | 176,887 mi | |
| 1998 | 69% | 12,811 | 173,402 mi | |
| 1997 | 69% | 10,120 | 163,637 mi | |
| 1996 | 67% | 8,643 | 173,387 mi | |
| 1995 | 69% | 5,077 | 166,204 mi | |
| 1994 | 69% | 3,632 | 147,650 mi | |
| 1993 | 69% | 2,096 | 137,070 mi | |
| 1992 | 70% | 2,260 | 140,629 mi | |
| 1991 | 74% | 2,007 | 143,826 mi | |
| 1990 | 73% | 3,481 | 131,256 mi |
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